Theatricum Botanicum Celebrates Shakespeare's 450th Birthday Tonight

Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum is throwing a party to celebrate Shakespeare's 450th Birthday tonight, July 26 - and everyone is invited.

The grounds open at 1:30 p.m. for merriment and refreshments, including jugglers, wandering musicians, madrigal singers and complimentary birthday cake and beverages.

Special guests include Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare, as well as UK Deputy British Consul Barbara Greene; British Council West Coast director Simon Gammell, OBE; L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; and Rev. Dr. Paul Edmondson and Dr. Paul Prescott of Shakespeare on the Road.

Representing the University of Warwick and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Shakespeare on the Road is making a 60-day road trip to Shakespeare festivals across the U.S. to document American celebrations of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth. During their visit to Theatricum, Drs. Edmondson and Prescott will interview staff, teachers, students and performers, as well as attend repertory performances of Lear, All's Well That Ends Well and Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare on the Road will also present Theatricum, one of only 14 American festivals selected for the road trip, with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the company's deep commitment to continuing Shakespeare's legacy in America. Sculpted by artist Greg Wyatt, the plaque includes wood from Shakespeare's garden in Stratford-upon-Avon and will be mounted permanently on the theater's grounds.

Scheduled performances on July 26 include All's Well That Ends Well at 4 p.m. and Lear at 8 p.m. Drs. Edmondson and Prescott will offer a brief commentary on All's Well That Ends Well prior to the performance.

Shakespeare's 450th Birthday Party takes place on Saturday, July 26 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Admission to all afternoon activities (including birthday cake and beverages) is free. Performances of All's Well The Ends Well at 4 p.m. and Lear at 8 p.m. each require separate ticket purchase: $37 (lower tier); $25 (upper tier). Tickets for seniors (60+), students, military veterans and AEA Members are $25/$15, and children (7-12) pay only $10. Admission for children 6 and under is always free.

Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For more information, call 310-455-3723 or log onto www.theatricum.com.